Kurdistan is probably one of the best cities of Iraq to explore the vast region. It’s considered relatively safe for hikers, backpackers, etc. However when venturing into the area, cable in north carolina, one should always precede with extreme caution, and have a specific plan mapped out. Many travelers to the area, find an exploration to Lake Van, which is one of the largest bodies of water in the Middle East. It offers a lot of natural wonders, for visitors and explorers to the area, and is known to host many beautiful hiking trails. Another area that attracts visitors and explorers from all over the world is Zarivar Lake. The lake holds a lot of mystical stories from the Kurdish people that live close by. While is considered one of the most beautiful recreational areas of the region, it is also said to be visited by ghosts on regular basis. However it is considered a very safe area to backpack in and engage in recreational activities, make you take an ample amount of water for all people in your party, it’s recommended to have a 24 hour supply when venturing into any recreation area in Kurdistan. You should also have warm clothing with you, as the temperatures change quickly.

The land beneath the current nation of Iraq has some of the oldest history in the entire world. The birth of modern civilization occurred somewhere very near the capital city of Baghdad, seven thousand years ago. At the time the area was known as Mesopotamia.

Mesopotamia, or “The Land Between the Rivers,” was an extremely fertile stretch of land that reached from the Persian Gulf to the mountains near Turkey, covering nearly all of modern Iraq. It was one of the most hospitable places on the face of the earth for human beings, and they Read the rest of this entry »

Mesopotamia comes from the ancient Greek term meaning “land between the rivers” corresponding to its position between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in what is now modern day Iraq. This region has a long and rich history that encompasses thousands of years of human settlement and civilization including the world’s first cities, empires, and system of writing among other things. Also widely known as the “cradle of civilization”, Mesopotamia served as a crossroads for historical change as armies, migrations, populations, trade, religions, plagues, and technological innovations all passed through and left their unique mark on Read the rest of this entry »

As a history buff, I’ve always enjoyed learning new things about how the past events shaped the present day. After years of not having more than a few channels on TV, I finally decided to order DIRECTV through Satellitetv-hq.com. I quickly discovered the History Channel and now I can’t stop watching. I never knew TV could be so educational.

One of the most memorable documentaries I’ve seen was about the history of Iraq, particularly the Great Iraqi Revolution of 1920, or 1920 Iraqi Revolt.

In the aftermath of World War I, the League of Nations gave Great Britain a mandate to control Iraq – which, interestingly enough, was still called Mesopotamia in the Western world at that time. The British got rid of the former Ottoman administration and created a new governing body consisting of mostly British officials. Consequently, many Iraqi people began to fear this mandate as it seemed a lot like imperial rule. This fear was exacerbated by new British policies, which changed land ownership laws and increased taxes. By May 1920, this acrimony sparked mass meetings and demonstrations against British rule. The beginnings of the revolution revolved around peaceful protests. People gathered by the masses at Sunni and Shia mosques to prove that the two main sects of Iraqi society could cooperate.

However, when British officials denied Iraqi representatives’ requests for independence, the revolution quickly turned violent. Armed tribes revolted against British garrisons, forcing Winston Churchill to authorize reinforcements to squash the rebellion, including two squadrons of the Royal Air Force. In October of 1920, the rebels surrendered, but not before 6,000-9,000 Iraqis and 400 British soldiers lost their lives.

However, the revolt made British officials seriously reconsider their occupation of Iraq and was a huge step toward independence for the Iraqi people.

When considering Iraq, and the great regions to visit, sites to see, and tourist attractions to visit when you are there, Ancient Mesopatamia has great regions for the visitors to see. From the great pyramids, construction sites, tall sky scrappers, and all other religious and historical landmarks in the city, are all things that a tourist is going to want to see when they are visiting the region. The city is also on the cusp of several likes, beaches, and great ocean views as well. So, you are going to be able to see these great spots when you are visiting as well. You are also going to want to visit the great dining spots and ancient cuisine, while you are on your trip to Mesopatamia. Visitors are also going to see great architecture when they visit the region, due to the old ruins of buildings and temples that have been destroyed over the years, from religious wars, and holy wars.

There are also several mosques and temples that visitors can see when they are in the region, which are a staple in the city center. These spots are a landmark not only to the city, but also to the entire country of Iraq. Depending on what the tourist is interested in seeing while in Iraq, and while visiting Mesopatamia, there are going to be several different spots and regions to consider visiting while in the country. From the most famous religious spots, the biggest district and religious mosques and temples, to visiting the large beaches and lakes that are located on the perimeters of the border. No matter what it is that you are looking to see in the ancient city, there is a bit of something for every tourist, and some landmark for every tourist to see in Mesopatamia.

When traveling through the desert, there are many factors that can affect your health and energy such as heat and lack of dehydration. If at any time your body overheats or you are dehydrated in a hot desert, things can quickly turn fatal. Additionally, certain forms of wildlife can either be a threat or used for food under emergency conditions and it’s important to know the wildlife types.

One venomous snake you may come across is the desert-horned viper. This snake is classified by its two horn-like scales above each of its eyes. They are less than 3 feet long and have coloring to match the desert sand. Their bite is painful but not as venomous as other snakes.

There is the onager which is a type of donkey. They are rare due to poaching but usually travel in herds of up to 14 females with one male leading the pack. They have a reddish-brown coat, they are about 7 feet long and weigh around 650 lbs.

The dorcas gazelle is about 4 feet long and weighs around 55 lbs. They have pale, tawny coats and are only about 25 inches in length. They use food, not water for moisture.

One of the most important things for hikers to carry with them on trips is a first aid kit. The contents of the kit should vary based on the environment that you will be hiking in and the length of the trip, but there are some basics that all hikers should include every time.

For dealing with cuts and abrasions you should have a variety of bandages. Make sure to include self-adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes, sterile dressing pads, a roll of gauze and adhesive tape to hold dressings in place.

A multi-use tool that includes a variety of knives, scissors and tweezers is essential, and you should always include a first-aid booklet to use for reference. Medications that should be included are antihistamines and pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Insect repellant and sunscreen are good for prevention, and make sure to include antibiotic ointment and a thermometer. It is also important to remember to bring along any prescription medications that you may need.

You can buy pre-made first aid kits but it is always better to put one together for yourself that is specific to your own needs and the environment you will be in.

Backpacking can be a great deal of fun but only if you go about the process in a safe manner. Here are a few tips to ensure your backpacking excursions are safe ones:

Always tell people where you are going and when you are expected back. If you do not return as mentioned, people will start to search for you.

Have a cell phone and GPS system in place in case you get lost. This will make it easier for people to contact and find you. Obviously, with the cell phone you can call for help if a signal is available.

Carry adequate food, water, and emergency shelter supplies with you. You should have enough to last several days. Also, make sure you have a first aid kit with you.

Do not venture into areas that are known for a high danger level. This can include areas where wild animals are known to congregate or where the environment is harsh and hazardous.

Try to avoid backpacking on your own. Always stick to well established trails which can provide proper entry and exit.

Be mindful of the weather conditions prior to backpacking. Getting caught in a bad weather situation could prove disastrous.

Kurdistan is probably one of the best cities of Iraq to explore the vast region. It’s considered relatively safe for hikers, backpackers, etc. However when venturing into the area, one should always precede with extreme caution, and have a specific plan mapped out. Many travelers to the area, find an exploration to Lake Van, which is one of the largest bodies of water in the Middle East. It offers a lot of natural wonders, for visitors and explorers to the area, and is known to host many beautiful hiking trails. Another area that attracts visitors and explorers from all over the world is Zarivar Lake. The lake holds a lot of mystical stories from the Kurdish people that live close by. While is considered one of the most beautiful recreational areas of the region, it is also said to be visited by ghosts on regular basis. However it is considered a very safe area to backpack in and engage in recreational activities, make you take an ample amount of water for all people in your party, it’s recommended to have a 24 hour supply when venturing into any recreation area in Kurdistan. You should also have warm clothing with you, as the temperatures change quickly.